Kelly Clarkson’s dispute with a Brooklyn store over a mechanical bird has taken a costly turn, with the shop now listing the bird, named “Molly,” for a staggering $15 million. The co-owner of Art of Play, Adam Rubin, has opted to sell the automated bird amid the ongoing controversy with the pop star. The store’s sign now advertises Molly as “the world’s most famous singing bird automata” created by Bliss Kolb, priced at $15,000,000.
In response to the situation, Rubin has offered a $15,000 reward to each store employee and pledged $1 million to Kolb if someone purchases the bird. The remaining proceeds from the sale will be used to acquire other antique automata. Despite attempts to reach Art of Play for confirmation, CBC News has not received a response.
This development marks the latest twist in a saga that has captured widespread attention online. The $15 million price tag is a significant increase from the $15,000 amount Clarkson claimed she saw during her visit to the store on October 10.
The shop owner has expressed concerns over the situation, stating that the store has experienced a surge in foot traffic due to the publicity but has also faced backlash from the star’s fans. Rubin emphasized that they feel their safety is at risk due to Clarkson’s actions.
Footage of Clarkson’s visit to the store on October 13 has circulated online, showing her browsing the store and interacting with staff before leaving. The video does not include audio but captures Clarkson’s brief visit and departure from the store.
The dispute began when Clarkson alleged on social media that she was treated poorly at the store, comparing her experience to a scene from the movie “Pretty Woman.” The store responded, clarifying that the bird Clarkson inquired about was not for sale and addressing the accusations of mistreatment.
In subsequent exchanges on social media, Clarkson and the store continued to dispute the details of the encounter. The store clarified that the $15,000 price tag Clarkson referenced was for a similar bird that could be produced for sale, not the unique automaton in question.
As the online debate unfolds, social media users have shared varying perspectives on the situation, highlighting the importance of customer treatment and empathy in retail interactions. The controversy surrounding Clarkson’s visit and the subsequent fallout with the store continues to spark discussions online.